Chapter 40

Olivia felt an undeniable urge to step in. As Liam's wife, it was her duty to stop the scandal unfolding before her. Yet her feet remained rooted to the spot.

Rumors about Liam's infidelities had spread beyond Evelyn's circle. Olivia wondered if other women had tried seducing him like this.

She lingered at the foot of the staircase, listening intently. Liam could be showering or working in his study upstairs.

Minutes ticked by as Olivia stood frozen, half-expecting to hear compromising sounds. Liam and Evelyn had never cared about her feelings before. Why would he start now?

A sudden crash shattered the silence, followed by a woman's shriek. "I'm sorry! So terribly sorry, Mr. Blackwood! I—I entered the wrong room—"

The commotion brought the butler and staff running. Spotting Olivia by the stairs, the butler gasped. "Madam?"

Looking up, Olivia met Liam's stormy gaze from the landing. His expression darkened with visible anger.

On the floor sat Sophia, hugging her shoulders as she trembled and wept.

"Did you plan this?" Liam demanded, eyes locked on Olivia.

Olivia shook her head vehemently. The butler intervened, "Sir, Miss Reynolds is acquainted with your wife. She visited earlier and returned claiming she'd forgotten an earring—"

"In my study?" Liam cut him off.

"No! I—I went to the wrong room—" Sophia stammered.

"Your wife and her guest never went upstairs this afternoon," the butler confirmed.

"Are you here to steal documents?" Liam's suspicion was palpable as he glared at Sophia.

Sophia's fear escalated. "No! I swear!"

"Call the police. She's attempting to steal Blackwood Enterprises' confidential files," Liam ordered coldly.

"I'm not! Truly!" Sophia cried desperately, turning to Olivia. "Olivia! I only wanted to get close to Mr. Blackwood, not steal anything—"

Overwhelmed, Sophia confessed everything. The thought of being accused terrified her more than the humiliation.

Olivia averted her gaze.

Realizing her mistake in seeking help from the wife she'd tried to betray, Sophia turned to the butler instead. "Please—"

The butler, taking Liam's silent cue, scoffed. "Prove your innocence. Submit your phone and undergo a search. Or we call the police. Your choice."

The humiliation of a search paled against potential legal consequences. With clenched teeth, Sophia relented. "Fine. Search me."

As the butler led her away, Sophia shot Olivia a venomous glare.

Now alone on the staircase, Olivia couldn't meet Liam's gaze. She expected him to walk past, but instead he descended until standing directly before her. "You saw everything, didn't you? Watched her approach me and did nothing? What game are you playing, Olivia?"

Speechless, Olivia froze as Liam grasped her chin, forcing eye contact.

"Do you enjoy watching women throw themselves at me? Did you invite her here knowing her intentions?" His words cut like knives.

Olivia shook her head frantically. She'd assumed Liam could handle such situations himself. What right had she to interfere?

Tears welled in her eyes as she failed to voice her thoughts.

Liam studied her tear-streaked face before his expression unexpectedly softened. "She's your colleague, yes? How do you think she'll treat you tomorrow?"

Dread washed over Olivia. Liam was right. Regardless of outcome, Sophia would retaliate. Especially if she was Victoria's informant at the studio.

Olivia wasn't afraid for herself, but worried about Gregory.

Seeing her realization, Liam leaned closer. "I can handle this for you... if you please me." His fingers trailed down her shirt, undoing buttons one by one.